Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  enjoying ownership - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Edward Nahin - May 22 - 9:04 am

  good choice . . .

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  No Surprises - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bw - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This truck is almost a year old and has had no problems.

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  18 AGAIN! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MustangLinda - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ordered my baby in July 2001 and didnt take delivery until November. WORTH THE WAIT! Have had more fun with this little car. When I get in it, Im 18 again - heads are turning - cant even count how many compliments Ive had. White w/black stripes and charcoal leather interior - two years old and I love her as much as the day I brought her home. Only has needed routine maintenance. I actually think Ill keep her past the time shes paid for!

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  ALL NEW IS GREAT - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By MELISSA - May 21 - 9:23 pm

  I like the new style of the Explorer this year. I have driven several Fords over the years, different Models, this Explorer drives very smooth and the stearing is impeciable

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  My Car Is Crap! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Nesa - May 20 - 2:38 pm

  Make sure you test drive it a good 15 miles before you decide to buy it. I have had nothing but problems with mine. Some easy fixes, some not. Every time I get something fixed, something else seems to be wrong. If you can afford multiple problems, then buy it. If not I would personally look into something different. Coming from someone whom has only had there car 4 months!!!

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  AWSOME!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dont want to say - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Lightning is just simply and awsome truck. Still king of the road.

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  Looks good so far... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mdf - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it and love it. I needed a larger vehicle that still got good gas mileage and it does! Plenty O room for 4 adults and your stuff in the back.

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  V6 With Automatic - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Mike V. - May 20 - 4:54 am

  I have a 2015 V6 and automatic. I wouldnt advise this combination if you want performance. Not that the V6 doesnt have enough power. Its just that the automatic cant apply it properly. Shifting from reverse to drive demonstrates a significant lag before power is applied. There is also a "turbo" lag other times when accelerating. This is my first Ford. I never had this issue with Pontiacs. Other than the above issues, the car has been great. Plenty of acceleration, great handling, and excellent mileage. A V8 would have been nice, but not worth the $8,000 price increase (to me at least). I drive this car year round. It has been through two Michigan winters with no problems. Thank goodness someone still makes a car without a turbo charger.

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  Very nice car, I and boys like it very much - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By edisonfrank - May 18 - 7:58 am

  Great milage. When drive carefully, I constantly get 52 MPG. However, during raining days and cold days, the MPG lower than 47MPG. I think rain will cause the road resistance higher. During cold time, the car always try to start the engine to keep itself warm, probably afraid of freezing transmission fluid or other fluid. The key thing to get best MPG is to use EV mode as much as possible, especially when car moving from stop to go. Gasoline engine does not have the best efficiency during low speed, electric motor does not have that problem. After car moving at 15mile speed then step on gas more to let gas engine bring the car to 45 mile speed. Do not drive more than 60Miles/h on freeway.

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  Wow very Impressed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - May 18 - 2:30 am

  Ford has really gotten their act together with the Fusion, its a well built fuel efficient car. I love the new style for 2010! I looked at the Accord,Mazda 6, and the Malibu. The Fusion blew them all away.